Rejection after final round BCG Dubai office and reason being limited understanding of CAGR ....how to overcome that in next application

Question

Hi

I have been rejected after the final round interview from BCG Dubai office. I had two interviews in final round and feedback I received: the first interviewer liked me and recommended me where as the second interviewer suggested that I missed a imp point during the case due to the limited understanding of CAGR.

I come from a science background having recently completed my PhD in Biophysics at university of Edinburgh. I prepared for the case interviews well or at least thats what I thought and had a decent understanding of financial concepts.

The recruiter told me to apply again in 6 months time. I am wondering what to do to improve my chances again and if I need to update my CV or add more experience and of what type of experiences( online courses, internships ) to improve my chances. I am currently thinking of taking time to prepare of the next application rather than start working. Would really appreciate any advice.

Thank you

Answer 1

My advice, consider applying to other top consulting firms as well. You have a better shot of switching consulting firms than putting all your hope in one. That way, you’ve got alternatives during the 6 months.

Happy to have an intro chat to know some more context and see how we can set you up for success

Answer 2

Hi there,

That's highly unusual. I almost don't believe the feedback they provided you with.

It's absolutely ok not to be familiar with some of these terms. Even working consultants often need to look them up or at least spend some time remembering them.

The case interview is meant to test your skills, not your knowledge and virtually always it's ok to ask the interviewer to help you with the definition or to clarify a concept.

I would work rather on any other feedback they might've provided you with. In terms of formulas, you can learn this material I've put together and you'll be set:

Cheatsheet: The Must-Know Consulting Terms for Interviews

Best,
Cristian

Answer 3

Hi,

I am very sorry to hear that you did not received an offer. Please understand the difference between a pass and fail can be very small. They expect you understand and can interpret the basic economic vocabulary (e.g., inflation, CAGR, economies of scale/scope, synergies, NPV, ROI). I recommend reading the financial newspaper and do some research if you don't understand a certain parameter. On top of that, I would apply to other firms besides BCG.

Let me know if I can help you with cases focusing on economic vocabulary.

Mattijs

Answer 4

Did you apply for the Advanced Degree role? And when did you have your 1st round?

Answer 5

That's unusual and unfortunate. Sorry to hear it.

I think your best course of action would be to address this by learning core financial metrics (e.g., even ChatGPT can teach the most important valuation metrics and financial terms) and any other feedback, and apply to a range of other firms.

If a simple CAGR mistake was truly the reason you didn't get an offer, if you try again with other firms you should have a very good chance.

Answer 6

Many times the feedback they share - will not be the entire feedback. So it is tough to say if the CAGR matter was the dealbreaker (should not be).

Perhaps there were other areas lacking in your performance that are more subtle and subjective - and hence difficult to share in objective feedback.

Besides brushing up and learning key financial/economic vocabulary - it would be good to do some kind of mini-MBA essentials online course. This can augment your science & PhD background with necessary business terms.

And finally, I also suggest to engage coaches here on PrepLounge to identify subjective areas of improvement that can make the difference in your next application.

Answer 7

Sorry to hear about the rejection. You have been thru a PhD conferral process and you will definitely get that offer next time!

Do you mind sharing the waiting time between the interview and result/R2 invite?

Thanks for sharing and looking forward to hear the good news in six months!